Headwaters Inspired Profile: Kim Harcourt Roman

SHELBURNE

Two weeks of high school changed my life

Kim Harcourt’s life took a sharp turn when two weeks of pottery making showed up on her high school art curriculum.

“I loved it right away,” said Harcourt. “When it was over, the teacher said there were a couple of pottery wheels in the corner that anyone could try, but we would be on our own since he didn’t know how to use them. I jumped at it, and have never stopped.”

A house in Headwaters that said “buy me”

Harcourt went on to the Ontario College of Art in Toronto to learn all aspects of the craft. That’s where she and her husband Ed met.

After living in Markham for a few years, they started looking for a house in the country where they could have a pottery studio for Kim, a music studio for Ed and grow their own vegetables together.

One property, on the boundary of Melanchthon and Shelburne kept appearing in the real estate listings. “We took it as a sign and bought it. We were obviously meant to be here in the Headwaters. That was in 2006, and we haven’t looked back.”

They built the studios, along with a barn for a kiln to fire the pottery. “We like to be self-sufficient. I have everything I need for my pottery here. I maintain a small showroom in the studio for people who want to visit and see where it all happens.”

Today, Harcourt sells her work in galleries in Toronto, London, Stratford and locally at the Red Hen Gallery in Mulmur. She was also accepted to exhibit at the Guelph Potters’ Market.

Pottery you can use every day

Harcourt sees her work in practical terms. “I tend to make functional pottery, pieces you can actually use,” said Harcourt. “Plates, mugs, bowls, serving pieces. I would love to collaborate with chefs to combine pottery and food. So, if there are any chefs interested out there, give me a call. We could do something wonderful.”